The Purpose of Prophecy

The purpose of prophecy in The New Testament is a topic that has captivated the minds of believers for centuries. As we study the gift of prophecy, the more we realize that words of prophecy play a crucial role in God's plan for His people.

In this article, we'll explore the various facets of New Testament prophecy, its significance in the life and ministry of the church, and how it ultimately points us to Christ.

The Purpose of Prophecy: Understanding Its Role in the Church

Part 2 of 4 by Don Bell | ⏱️ 7 minute read

Tel Aviv Israel SeashoreExplore the Purpose of Prophecy
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Prophecy in The New Testament serves as a powerful tool in the hands of God to guide, encourage, and strengthen His people. Through the lens of Scripture, we will uncover the profound impact that prophetic utterances have on the growth and maturity of believers, as well as their witness to unbelievers and the uninformed.

Prophecy Edifies, Exhorts, and Comforts

Edification: Its Meaning

The Greek word οἰκοδομή (oikodomē) translated as "edification" means building up and promoting growth in oneself and others.

Paul says, "He who prophesies speaks edification and exhortation and comfort to men" (1 Corinthians 14:3).

The gift of prophecy is designed to serve as a powerful tool for building up the Body of Christ and individual believers through divinely inspired, anointed messages. These prophetic words often carry the creative weight of God's authority, encouraging believers to stand firm in their faith and pursue spiritual growth.

Paul encourages, "For you can ALL prophesy one by one, that ALL may learn and ALL may be encouraged" (1 Corinthians 14:31, emphasis added).

During times of difficulty, prophetic utterances can provide much-needed comfort, reminding the faithful of God's presence and promises. By addressing specific needs within the congregation, prophecy strengthens the Body of Christ and fosters a greater sense of unity and purpose.

Prophecy Calls Us to Repentance

Prophetic messages can serve as a wake-up calls, urging people to turn from their apathy or wrongdoing and return to the will of God.

Ezekiel prophesies, "'As I live,' says the Lord GOD, 'I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live. Turn, turn from your evil ways! For why should you die, O house of Israel?'" (Ezekiel 33:11).

These divine exhortations can be both convicting and transformative, leading individuals and assemblies to experience spiritual renewal and revival. By addressing specific issues and calling for repentance, prophecy plays a crucial role in maintaining the spiritual health and vitality of the church.

Prophecy Guides, Directs, and Confirms

Prophecy provides guidance, direction, and confirmation, helping believers navigate life's challenges and make decisions in accordance with God's will. Through prophetic words, God often provides specific guidance, warnings, or corrections to individuals, and groups, ensuring they stay on the right path for ministry and life in the Spirit.

Paul encourages Timothy by saying, "This charge I commit to you, son Timothy, according to the prophecies previously made concerning you, that by them you may wage the good warfare" (1 Timothy 1:18).

Paul also reminds Timothy, "Do not neglect the [ministry] gift that is in you, which was given to you by prophecy with the laying on of the hands of the eldership" (1 Timothy 4:14).

Through prophecy, God can communicate His plans and purposes to His people, and offer them confirmation when needed.

The church we attended welcomed an ordained Southern pastor from Georgia as a frequent guest speaker. The man of God had a prophet's anointing, and I confess that I felt nervous when the Holy Spirit prompted me to prophesy over him.

After the evening's meeting, people surrounded him with their goodbyes, so I needed to wait. As soon as he was alone, I quickly walked forward before I could talk myself out of it.

He knew me, so I simply said, "The Lord has a message for you." He nodded, and I placed my hand on his shoulder and prophesied. However, the words I spoke were unlike any prophecy I had ever delivered.

It was to be my first prophecy given in rhyme. Know that I am not a fan of poetry; it's just not my thing. However, for whatever reason, God gave me the following words:

I'm holding your heart with My cords of love,
Your strength to stand, it comes from above.

While walking forward, don't fear, don't fret,
For I hold the future, it's not over yet.

I'll push and prod you, I'll bring it all to pass,
You may even need to fall off an ass.

For it's My plan you see, it's all written down,
You, my son, will take your town.

And don't even think you'll be stopping there,
For I'm going to put you on the air.

You'll reach many souls, many will be blessed,
And you'll do it all walking in My rest.

The line "You may even need to fall off an ass" refers to the Prophet Balaam whose donkey prevented him from missing God's will (2 Peter 2:15, 16). I believe it was meant to caution the man of trying times and difficult choices preceding the fulfillment of God's plan.

"I'm going to put you on the air" suggested radio or television to our natural way of thinking. However, within four years he was in a jet flying to Europe "on the air" to pastor a church where he reached many souls and many were blessed, fulfilling the prophecy.

Sometimes, there's a cryptic meaning to a word of prophecy, and it's only after an event unfolds that it can be understood as a confirmation.

Prophecy can offer confirmation and reassurance to those who are seeking direction or questioning their current choices. This aspect of prophecy is particularly valuable in times of uncertainty, providing believers with the confidence to move forward in faith and obedience to God's plan for their lives.

Prophecy Witnesses

The testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy (Revelation 19:10). The ultimate purpose of prophecy is to point people to Jesus and affirm His identity as their Messiah and King.

Prophetic utterances can serve as a powerful witness to unbelievers, demonstrating the reality and power of God in a tangible way. When accurate prophecies are given, especially those containing information that could not have been known through natural means, it can capture the attention of skeptics and open their hearts to the possibility of God's existence.

Paul says, "But if all prophesy, and an unbeliever or an uninformed person comes in, he is convinced by all, he is convicted by all. And thus the secrets of his heart are revealed [to him]; and so, falling down on his face, he will worship God and report that God is truly among you" (1 Corinthians 14:24, 25).

The Holy Spirit can use prophetic words to convince and convict the hearts of not only unbelievers, but also believers who are uninformed and not walking in the truth. They come to realize that God knows them intimately and cares deeply about them, and they are encouraged to repent and turn to the Lord. Don't fear. God won't reveal "secrets" we don't want revealed, except for those that relate to our spiritual condition.

The Practical Purpose of Prophecy

The purpose of prophecy in The New Testament is multifaceted and practical, working in harmony with other gifts of the Holy Spirit to edify, exhort, and comfort believers while providing them with a powerful tool for service that bears true witness to the power and presence of God, and ultimately point us to Christ.

Paul states, "Therefore, brethren, DESIRE EARNESTLY to prophesy" (1 Corinthians 14:39, emphasis added).

There's no mistake that in Paul's view, prophecy is vital for building up the Church and that LOVE, a fruit of the Spirit, is the motivation for prophesying (1 Corinthians 13). So, why then is prophesying so neglected by believers today? The lack of motivation to prophesy can only reflect the lack of love. Just saying.

Have you ever been blessed by a prophetic word? Since it's always more blessed to give than to receive, imagine how much blessing you'd receive if you prophesied over someone! God has wisely designed it so that when we build up others through prophecy and other gifts of the Spirit, we also build our own faith.

May your study of prophecy spark a deeper understanding of how this supernatural gift operates in the life of the church and in the lives of individual believers, inspiring you to prophesy, as you seek a closer walk with God and a greater appreciation for His Kingdom.

Paul urges, "Pursue love, and desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy" (1 Corinthians 14:1).

More in This 4-Part Series

Part 3: How to Test Prophecy

If you missed it, Part 1: The Gift of Prophecy


Don Bell of Kingdom Anointing

By Don Bell, a dedicated follower of Jesus Christ. As the author of Kingdom Anointing, he shares decades of insights from his spiritual journey to encourage and empower ordinary believers to seek God's Kingdom first and lead extraordinary lives guided by the Holy Spirit.


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